The Economic Community of the Great Lakes Region (CEPGL) has said the recent decision by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)  to impose entry visa requirement on Rwandans was against the spirit of economic integration to which both countries committed through the regional grouping. 

 The bloc, which comprises Rwanda, DRC and Burundi, was never consulted before DRC last month decided to introduce visas for all Rwandans entering   the country, according to the executive secretary, CEPGL Herman Tuyaga.

Tuyaga said an agreement signed by the three countries in 2011 provided for free movement of people across the borders of the partner states.

 "In the framework signed by the ministers of foreign affairs of member states in July 2011, people from partner states are exempted from any fees when entering any of the three counties,” Tuyaga said.

 He added that people from the border areas normally enter either country using identity cards, passports or lasses-passer (temporary travel document).

 "We were never consulted. We have even written to the Kinshasa government requesting them to justify the new visa policy and asked that the decision is  reversed because it is against the spirit of integration to which our countries are committed,” Tuyaga said.

 He further said it was not proper for  DRC to introduce visa charges on just one border.

 The visa policy only applies on the Bukavu border, accessed from Rusizi District, while movement at the Goma border accessed from two posts (Petit Barriere and Grand Barriere, both in Rubavu District) remains unrestricted.

 The free movement is provided for in article 2 of the agreement signed by partner states in Bujumbura in July 2011.

 The same article stipulates that people from partner states living at the border areas should enter any of the three countries using identity cards while those living inland should present their laissez passes or passports.

 "The holders of the cited documents are exempted from exigency of entry visa,” the article reads in part.

 However, despite the arrangement, Rwandans entering DRC through Rusizi or Bukavu are required to have a visa which goes for $55 (Rwf37,400) for ordinary persons and $35 (Rwf23,800) for students annually.

People stranded

People in Rusizi who use the Bukavu border say thay have suspended their activities until the restriction is lifted because most of them do informal business in DRC yet they are unable to pay the  required fee.

 Others used to cross into Congo for odd jobs, which they have since halted while the other affected group are students who have since suspended their studies.

 "People who used to transact informal business cannot afford the visa fees and have given up as they wait for a solution to the impasse,” said Pierre Pokezi, a local leader in Tara Cell in Mururu Sector, Rusizi District.

 Joseph Habimana, a shoe seller in the same area, says he used to go to DRC through Rusizi border but was shocked by the abrupt move.

 "As someone doing informal business, I cannot afford to pay such an amount. I have since closed my business since  sneaking into Congo using illegal ways can invite trouble,” he said.

 The Rutsiro District mayor, Oscar Nzeyimana, said residents and students are stranded.

Looming fear at the borders

Meanwhile, Rwandans crossing through Petite and Grande barieres, have expressed concerns that the visa fees could soon be introduced at the two crossings.

 "We are worried that the fees will soon be introduced here,” said Vestine Sifa, a vegetable seller.

 Congolese are also expressing fears it could affect their business especially if Rwanda reciprocates the move.

 "Our friends from Rwanda are complaining of heavy visa fees they are charged at Bukavu border. We wonder what will happen if Rwanda reciprocates. I think people doing informal trade and visitors should be exempted from  paying visa fees,” said a business woman who only identified herself as Rehema.

 Efforts to contact officials from DRC were futile as the Congolese immigration officials at the two border points in Goma said they could not comment because no visa is required at the two entry points in Rubavu. Neither was it possible to get a comment from Kinshasa as the known mobile phone of Lambert Mende, the Government spokesperson was switched off by press time.